Energy harvesting systems for providing autonomous electrical power to building structures and electrically-powered devices in the building structures

ABSTRACT

A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in buildings in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the building to provide electrical power to the building, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the building. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques to make the layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/416,354, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office(USPTO) on Jan. 26, 2017 entitled “Energy Harvesting Methods ForProviding Autonomous Electrical Power To Building Structures AndElectrically-Powered Devices In The Building Structures”, which issuedfrom the USPTO as U.S. Pat. No. 10,886,873 on Jan. 5, 2021, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety; this application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/416,303, entitled “Energy Harvesting Systems ForProviding Autonomous Electrical Power To Building Structures AndElectrically-Powered Devices In The Building Structures,” which wasfiled in the USPTO on Jan. 26, 2017 and which issued from the USPTO asU.S. Pat. No. 10,886,423 on Jan. 5, 2021, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

This disclosure is directed to a unique method for forming a set ofstructural features on building structures, and on structural componentswithin the buildings, the structural features combining to implement anaesthetically neutral, or aesthetically pleasing, energy harvestingsystem that provides autonomous electrical power to building structureson which the system is installed, and/or to electrically-powered devicesin those buildings. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matchedoptical layers, which provide an essentially same appearance from anyviewing angle, and provide superior light transmission across the rangeof light impingement angles, are formed over energy harvestingcomponents, including photovoltaic components.

2. Related Art

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/006,143 (the 143 application),entitled “Systems and Methods for Producing Laminates, Layers andCoatings Including Elements for Scattering and Passing SelectiveWavelengths of Electromagnetic Energy”, filed in the USPTO on Jan. 26,2016 and which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2016-0306078A1 on Oct. 20, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/006,145 (the 145 application), entitled “Systems and Methods forProducing Objects Incorporating Selective Electromagnetic EnergyScattering Layers, Laminates and Coatings,” which was filed in the USPTOon Jan. 26, 2016 and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,795,062 on Oct. 6,2020, the disclosure of which is also hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, describe a structure for forming selectablyenergy transmissive layers and certain real world use cases in whichthose layers may be particularly advantageously employed.

The 143 and 145 applications note that, in recent years, the fields ofenergy harvesting and ambient energy collection have gainedsignificantly increased interest. Photovoltaic (PV) cell layers andother photocell layers, including thin film PV-type (TFPV) materiallayers, are advantageously employed on outer surfaces of particularstructures to convert ambient light to electricity.

Significant drawbacks to wider proliferation of photocells used in anumber of potentially beneficial operating or employment scenarios arethat the installations, in many instances, unacceptably adversely affectthe aesthetics of the structure, object or host substrate surface onwhich the PV layers are mounted for use. PV layers typically must begenerally visible, and the visual appearance of the PV layers themselvescannot be significantly altered from the comparatively dark greyscale toblack presentations provided by the facial surfaces without renderingthe layers significantly less efficient, substantially degrading theiroperation. Presence of photocells and PV layers in most installationsis, therefore, easily visually distinguishable, often in an unacceptablydistracting, or appearance degrading, manner. Based on these drawbacksand/or limitations, inclusion of photocell arrays, and evensophisticated TFPV material layers, is often avoided in manyinstallations, or in association with many structures, objects orproducts that may otherwise benefit from the electrical energyharvesting capacity provided by these layers. PV layer installations areoften shunned as unacceptable visual detractors or distractors adverselyaffecting the appearance or ornamental design of the structures, objectsor products.

For decades, companies have marketed and installed solar panels incommercial and residential settings. Conventional, solar panels havebeen provided in a substantially same configuration, mounted asindependent structures on the roofs of commercial and residentialbuilding structures, in typical installations that seek to achieve anoptimum angle for maximum exposure to the sun. The “aiming” of the solarpanels only adds to their non-aesthetic appearance as they are rarelymounted in a manner that conforms to the geometry of a roofline,particularly of a residential structure.

In recent years, attempts have been made to render the conventionalsolar panels less obtrusive by, for example, attempting to disguise themon the roof. These efforts have been of limited success, and generallyrequire installations that significantly degrade the efficiency of theelectrical conversion capacity of the solar panels, as installed. Mostrecently, one residential solar panel company has advertised a uniquesystem by which to incorporate solar energy collectors in individualroof tiles and/or roof shingles. As best understood, this productprovides a separate glass layer over individual roof tiles that, whenobserved from the ground, make the roof tiles appear “properly” coloredor textured. When observed from other than optimum angles, however, thesolar collectors in these tiles are plainly visible.

Despite attempted advances, solar collectors for residential usegenerally remain relegated to the “backside” of the roof on aresidential home so as to be physically hidden on a generallynon-observation side of the residential home structure. Suchinstallations generally disregard whether placement of the solar panelson “that side” of the roof may be optimum for providing energycollection.

In short, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) developments have beenseverely hampered by the lack of aesthetically acceptable andcost-effective implementations.

Further, there are generally no commercial efforts underway at expandingroutine conventional installations of solar panels to, for example, theextensive square footage that is available on other faces and façades ofmost buildings, and particularly residential structures, based on thecomparatively unsightly nature of the solar collectors in use today.

SUMMARY

The 143 and 145 applications introduce systems and methods that provideparticularly formulated energy or light transmissive overlayers, whichmay be provided to “hide” typical photoelectric energy generatingdevices. These overlayers, generally in the form of surface treatmentsand/or coverings, are formulated to support unique energy transmissionand light refraction schemes to effectively “trick” the human eye intoseeing a generally opaque surface when observed from a light incidentside. These overlayers are formulated to support transmission of visuallight, or near-visual light, in a manner that allows a substantialpercentage (at least 50% and up to 80+%) of the electromagnetic energyimpinging on the surface of the overlayer to penetrate the surfacetreatments and coverings in a comparatively unfiltered manner. Theoverlayers also provide an opaque appearing surface that exhibits anessentially same appearance when viewed from any viewing angle, and thatsupport a consistently superior light transmission across a full rangeof light impingement angles. The energy transmissive layers disclosed inthe 143 and 145 applications rely on a particular cooperation betweenrefractive indices of the disclosed micron-sized particles or sphereswith cooperating refractive indices of the matrix materials in whichthose micron-sized particles are suspended for deposition on preparedsurfaces. This coincident requirement between the refractive indices ofthe matrix material and the refractive indices of the suspendedparticles limits deposition of these material suspensions of particleson substrates to techniques in which the deposition of the materials canbe carefully controlled.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/415,851, entitled “Compositions OfMaterials For Forming Coatings And Layered Structures Including ElementsFor Scattering And Passing Selectively Tunable Wavelengths OfElectromagnetic Energy,” and Ser. No. 15/415,857, entitled “Methods ForMaking Compositions Of Materials For Forming Coatings And LayeredStructures Including Elements For Scattering And Passing SelectivelyTunable Wavelengths Of Electromagnetic Energy,” and Ser. No. 15/415,864,entitled “Delivery Systems and Methods For Compositions Of Materials ForForming Coatings And Layered Structures Including Elements ForScattering And Passing Selectively Tunable Wavelengths OfElectromagnetic Energy,” each of which was filed Jan. 25, 2017, and thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety improve upon the inventive concepts disclosed in the 143and 145 applications by controlling the refractive indices of theparticles themselves to capture all of the physical parameters leadingto independent color selection in the particles, thereby easing relianceon a cooperative synergy between a composition of the particles and acomposition of the binder or matrix material in which the particles aresuspended.

It would be advantageous to apply the selectively colorable and/ortexturizable overlayers disclosed in detail in the above applications toadvanced energy harvesting systems associated with building structures,including residential building structures, to provide significantlyenhanced green energy addition to such building structures, and toprovide electrical power and control to myriad electrically-drivensystems and devices within those building structures.

It would also be advantageous to particularly provide a replacement,and/or a substitute for conventional roofing materials, whilemaintaining the appearance of those roofing materials, and producingelectricity from hidden photovoltaic panels, thereby reducing the totalinstalled cost of the combined roofing and photovoltaic generationsystem.

Exemplary embodiments may provide substantially transparent particles,including micron-sized particles, in a cooperating binder matrix toproduce material compositions for layers in which refractive indices ofthe constituent elements of the layers are cooperatively controlled toproduce repeatable coloration in the layers causing them to appearopaque from a light-incident side, and yet retaining a capacity totransmit at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the incidentelectromagnetic energy therethrough to impinge, for example, onphotoelectric or photovoltaic energy harvesters positioned behind thelayers.

Exemplary embodiments may form energy transmissive layers overphotovoltaic arrays, the energy transmissive layers providing an opaqueappearing surface that exhibits an essentially same appearance whenviewed from any viewing angle, and supporting a consistently superiorlight transmission across a full range of light impingement angles.

Exemplary embodiments may provide a TFPV material layer on a substratethat is in a form of a discrete building structural portion. Thedisclosed TFPV material layers may be adhesively conformed to thediscrete building structural portion and then hidden by being overcoatedwith the disclosed energy transmissive overlayer material. Such buildingstructural portions may include, but not be limited to, conventionalroof shingles or tiles, conventional siding, asphalt driveways, concretewalkways, garage doors, entryway doors, door frames and window frames,patios and decking, awnings and virtually any exposed exterior surface,the energy transmissive overlayer material being capable of being formedto display virtually any color, texture, image or the like.

Exemplary embodiments may provide electrical circuits that convert theenergy collected by the TFPV layer into electrical power for use by theconventional electrical systems in the building structure, and/or byindividual electrical devices installed, or otherwise placed, in thebuilding structure.

These and other features, and advantages, of the disclosed systems andmethods are described in, or apparent from, the following detaileddescription of various exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method for forming aunique set of structural features on surfaces of a building structurethat combine to implement an aesthetically neutral, or aestheticallypleasing, energy harvesting system that is configured to provideautonomous electrical power to the building structure, and/or toelectrically-powered devices in the building structure, will bedescribed, in detail, with reference to the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary objectenergy/light scattering surface layer disposed on a structural bodymember substrate according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary buildingstructure energy harvesting system including a laminated energyharvesting component with, as one or more of the laminate layers, a TFPVmaterial layer disposed on a building structure component substrate, andan energy/light scattering layer according to this disclosure disposedover the TFPV material layer;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a series of schematic diagrams of steps in anexemplary process for forming a laminated energy harvesting component,with at least one layer constituted as an energy/light scattering layer,according to this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a detail of anenergy/light scattering layer usable in the energy harvesting systemsaccording to this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary residentialbuilding to provide examples of emplacement of laminated energyharvesting components according to this disclosure on an outer surfaceof the building structure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembly lineusable for automated forming of the exemplary laminated energyharvesting component on a substrate that constitutes a buildingstructure component according to this disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for integrating aunique energy harvesting system, including an energy/light scatteringlayer, on a surface of a building structure component according to thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed methods for forming a unique set of structural features ona surface of a building structure that combine to implement anaesthetically neutral, or aesthetically pleasing, energy harvestingsystem configured to provide autonomous electrical power to a buildingstructure, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the buildingstructure, will be described as being particularly usable forimplementing green energy objectives, and for providing autonomouselectrical energy to power devices in the building structure. Thesereal-world applications for the disclosed energy harvesting systemsshould not be considered as limiting those systems to charging,recharging, powering, or otherwise providing electrical power to anyparticular battery, or other electrical system component. Rather, thedisclosed embodiments are intended as examples of particular systemsthat may be implemented to autonomously provide electrical power to anybuilding structure and/or to any electrically-powered devices within, orassociated with, the building structure.

Reference will be made to substantially transparent particles, includingmulti-layer micron-sized particles, and the material compositions inwhich those particles may be delivered. For building structuralcomponent applications, because the fidelity of the surface colorationand texture is less critical than in other applications, particle sizesmay be on the order of tens of microns. Reference will also be made tosystems and methods for delivery of those material compositions ontobuilding structure component substrate surfaces that have beenpreviously provided with conformal photovoltaic arrays, particularly ina form of a TFPV material layer, according to this disclosure. Thedisclosed schemes may include techniques for depositing and curingmaterial compositions that suspend substantially transparent multi-layermicron-sized particles in substantially transparent binder or matrixmaterials, techniques for developing material compositions intostructural layers, and delivery systems and techniques for developingthe multi-layered structures, which may be laminated structures, inwhich color-selectable electromagnetic energy transmissive layers areformed over the photovoltaic components. These layers, once formed, mayselectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energyimpinging on an energy incident side of the layers, while allowingremaining wavelengths of the electromagnetic energy to passtherethrough. These layers may uniquely implement optical lightscattering techniques in such energy transmissive layers to provide anaesthetically neutral outer surface that is substantially comparable toa conventional surface of a building structure component, including, butnot limited to roof shingles/tiles, aluminum/vinyl siding, wood or othermaterial decking, asphalt driveway surfaces, concrete walkway surfaces,and other building structural components such as, for example, doors,door frames, window frames, garage doors, awnings and other likestructural members. These layers may also provide an opaque appearingsurface that exhibits an essentially same appearance when viewed fromany viewing angle, and that supports a consistently superior lighttransmission across a full range of light impingement angles. Becausethe disclosed “coatings” do not include pigment materials, theoverlayers comprised of these substantially transparent materials arenot susceptible to fading over time. In order to provide a usableelectrical energy, the disclosed ovelayers may be particularly formed toselectively scatter particular wavelengths of electromagnetic energy,including light energy in the visual, near-visual or non-visual range,while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough with atransmissive efficiency of at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, withrespect to the impinging energy.

Additional details regarding the above-discussed energy transmissivelayers are available in the various related applications cataloguedabove, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

Exemplary embodiments described and depicted in this disclosure shouldnot be interpreted as being specifically limited to any particularlylimiting material composition of the individually-describedsubstantially transparent particles, and the binder matrices in whichthose particles may be suspended, except as indicated according to thematerial properties generally outlined below. Further, the exemplaryembodiments described and depicted in this disclosure should not beinterpreted as specifically limiting the configuration of any of thedescribed layers, or of the particular building structures, or buildingstructural components, as substrates on which the disclosed energyharvesting structures may be formed.

References will be made to individual ones, or classes, of energy/lightcollecting sensor components and energy/light activated devices that maybe operationally mounted in, installed in or placed behind the disclosedenergy/light scattering, light directing or light transmissive layers soas to be hidden from view when an object including such sensorcomponents or devices is viewed from a viewing, observation or lightincident outer surface of the object or layer, from which perspectivethe energy/light scattering, light directing or light transmissivelayers may appear “opaque” to the incident electromagnetic energy. Thesereferences are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended tolimit the disclosed concepts, compositions, processes, techniques,methods, systems and devices in any manner. It should be recognized thatany advantageous use of the disclosed structures and schemes forproviding an autonomous energy harvesting capability in a buildingstructure employing systems, methods, techniques, and processes such asthose discussed in detail in this disclosure is contemplated as beingincluded within the scope of the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

In this regard, the disclosed systems and methods will be described asbeing particularly adaptable to hiding certain photovoltaic materials,and the emerging class of increasingly efficient TFPV materials ormaterial layers, which are typically mils thick, on the surfaces of, orwithin objects, behind layers that may appear opaque from a viewing,observation or light incident side. As used throughout the balance ofthis disclosure, references to TFPV material layers are not intended toexclude other types of photovoltaic materials, and/or any generallyknown configuration as to any photocells, which may be adapted for usein particular building structural components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram 100 of an exemplary objectenergy/light scattering surface layer 120 disposed on a transparentportion of a body structure 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the energy/lightscattering layer 120 is configured to allow first determined wavelengthsof energy/light, WLp, to pass through the energy/light scattering layer120. The configuration of the energy/light scattering layer 120simultaneously causes certain second determined wavelengths ofenergy/light, WLs, to be scattered back in an incident directionsubstantially as shown.

The energy/light scattering layer 120 may be configured of substantiallytransparent particles of varying sizes. In embodiment, these particlesmay be substantially in a range of 5 microns or less. The substantiallytransparent micron-sized particles may be stabilized in structural orother layers further comprised of substantially-transparent matrixmaterials including, but not limited to, dielectric materials. Anability to configure the substantially transparent particles to “tune”the light scattering surface of the light scattering layer 120 toscatter particular second determined wavelengths of energy/light, WLs,may provide the capacity of the energy/light scattering layer 120 toproduce a desired visual appearance in a single color, multiple colors,or according to an image-wise visual presentation provided by theenergy/light scattering layer 120. Put another way, depending on aparticular composition of the substantially transparent particlescomprising the energy/light scattering layer 120 (or multiple layers),one or more colors, textures, color patterns, or color-patterned imagesmay be visually produced by the energy/light scattering layer 120.

In cases where the incident energy includes wavelengths in the visualspectrum, refractive indices of the energy/light scattering layer 120may be selectively tuned based on structural compositions of thesubstantially transparent particles, and the substantially-transparentbinder or matrix materials in which the particles are suspended. Inembodiments for use in building structures according to this disclosure,the energy/light scattering layer 120 is intended to appear as a singlecolor across a surface of the energy/light scattering layer 120. To thisend, the composition of the particles and matrix scheme across thesurface of the energy/light scattering layer 120 may be substantiallyidentical, or homogenous.

A light scattering effect of the energy/light scattering layer 120 maybe produced in response to illumination generally from ambient light ina vicinity of, and/or impinging on, the surface of the energy/lightscattering layer 120. Alternatively, the light scattering effect of theenergy/light scattering layer 120 may be produced in response to directillumination generally produced by some directed light source 130focusing illumination on the light-incident surface of the energy/lightscattering layer 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram 200 of an exemplary buildingstructure energy harvesting system including a laminated energyharvesting component with, as one or more of the laminate layers, a TFPVmaterial layer disposed on a building structure component substrate, andan energy/light scattering layer according to this disclosure disposedover the TFPV material layer. As shown in FIG. 2, the ambientenergy/light in a vicinity of the energy/light scattering layer 220, orthe energy/light directed from an energy/light source 230 at theenergy/light scattering layer 220, may pass through a substantiallyclear overlayer 225, which may be in the form of a substantially clearprotective layer. The energy/light scattering layer 220 may beconfigured to operate in a same manner as the energy/light scatteringlayer described above with reference to FIG. 1. At least firstwavelengths of energy/light, WLp, may pass through the energy/lightscattering layer 220, while at least the second wavelengths ofenergy/light, WLs, may be scattered back in the incident direction inthe manner described above.

The at least first wavelengths of energy/light, WLp, may impinge on aTFPV material layer 215 that may be disposed on, or adhered to, asurface of a building structural component substrate 210. The at leastfirst wavelengths of energy/light, WLp, impinging on the TFPV materiallayer 215 may cause the TFPV material layer 215 to generate electricalenergy which may be passed to an electrical energyinterface/conditioning circuit 240 to which the TFPV material layer 215is electrically connected. The electrical energy interface/conditioningcircuit 240 may properly translate or otherwise condition the generatedelectrical energy from the TFPV material layer 215 to be one or more of(1) stored in a compatible building energy storage device 250, (2) usedto directly supplement the building electrical system 260 or (3)provided to directly power one or more electrically-powered devices 270in the building. In embodiments, the electrical energy generated fromthe TFPV material layer 215 may bypass the electrical energyinterface/conditioning circuit 240 and be fed directly to any of thedepicted devices or systems according to the “Direct” line in FIG. 2.Excess generated electrical power may be returned to the local gridaccording to applicable circuitry (not shown).

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a series of schematic diagrams of steps in anexemplary process 300 for forming a laminated energy harvestingcomponent, with at least one layer constituted as a light scatteringconstituent layer, according to this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a substrate component 310 may be provided. Thesubstrate component 310 may be, for example, a building structuralcomponent. Such a building structural component may be one or more of aroofing component (tile, shingle, and the like), a siding structure, adoor, a door/window frame, a patio/deck, an awning or other comparablediscrete building structural part, or portion.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a photovoltaic layer (or component) 315 may bedisposed on the substrate component 310. The photovoltaic layer 315 maycomprise one or more of a photocell, an array of photocells, or a TFPVmaterial layer. Further, the photovoltaic layer 315 may be positioned ona contiguous surface of the substrate component 310, or may be partiallyembedded in a cavity in the surface of the substrate component 310, ormay be completely embedded in a cavity in the surface of the substratecomponent 310 in a manner that an upper surface of the photovoltaiclayer 315 substantially corresponds to an upper surface of the substratecomponent 310. In embodiments, a TFPV material layer may be adhesivelyattached to, or formed on, the substrate component 310. In embodiments,a surface treatment may be applied to portions of the surface of thesubstrate component 310 that are not covered by the photovoltaic layer315. The surface treatment, when applied, is intended to render anoptical reflectance of the portions on which the surface treatment isapplied to be substantially equal to an optical reflectance of the TFPVmaterial layer in order to provide a consistent undersurface forapplication of an energy/light scattering layer.

As shown in FIG. 3C, an energy/light scattering layer 320 may be formedon/over the photovoltaic layer 315 in a manner that first determinedwavelengths of the ambient light in the vicinity of the energy/lightscattering layer 320 may pass through the energy/light scattering layer320, in the manner described above with reference to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, while at least second determined wavelengths ofthe ambient light may be scattered back off the energy/light scatteringlayer 320 in the incident direction in the manner described above.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the laminated structure of the energy harvestingcomponent may be finished by covering, or even encapsulating, thelaminated structure in a substantially clear, protective overcoat orouter layer 325. This protective overcoat or outer layer 325 may be in aform, for example, of a clear coat finish.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a detail of anenergy/light scattering layer 400 according to this disclosure. Thedisclosed schemes, processes, techniques or methods may produce anenergy/light scattering layer 400 created using substantiallytransparent multi-layer micron-sized particles 420. In embodiments, theparticles may be in range of diameters of 5 microns or less embedded ina substantially-transparent dielectric matrix 410. In other embodiments,the particles may be significantly larger. As an example, thesubstantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles 420 mayinclude titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a layered form. Titaniumdioxide is widely used based on its brightness and comparatively highrefractive index, strong ultraviolet (UV) light absorbing capabilities,and general resistance to discoloration under exposure to UV light.

In embodiments of the energy/light scattering layers, colorations of thelayered materials may be achieved through combinations of (1) materialcompositions of the particles, (2) material compositions of the binders,(3) nominal particle sizes, (4) nominal particle spacings, and (5)interplay between any or all of those material factors. That “interplay”is important. In other embodiments, the material interplay may becaptured in varying layers of a substantially transparent multi-layermicron-sized particle, thus requiring the only variables to becontrolled as particle size and particle physical composition. Capturingall of the physical parameters in the substantially transparentmulti-layer micron-sized particle substantially eliminates anyrequirement for constituent interplay between the particles and thebinder, essentially rendering the particles binder or matrix materialagnostic. In embodiments including the multi-layer particles, the binderor matrix material is provided simply to hold the particles where theyland. Spacing between the particles is rendered based on a substantiallyclear, neutral outer coating on the substantially transparentmulti-layer micron-sized particles, typically of a substantiallytransparent dielectric material having a comparatively low (less than 2)index of refraction. The employment of multi-layer particles providesincreased latitude in the use of randomized delivery methods, includingspray delivery of an aspirated composition of non-pigment particulatematerial suspended in a comparatively transparent or relatively clearbinder material.

In embodiments with particles comprised of layered constructions, a coresphere may have a diameter to accommodate an optical path length throughthe core of approximately one half wavelength of light for the color ofinterest and may be comprised of 15 or more individual material layerseach having a thickness to accommodate an optical path length throughthe layer of one quarter wavelength of light for the color of interest.For individualized colors from blue to red this layer-on-layerconstruction surrounding the core sphere may result in an overallparticle size of from about 1.9 microns up to 2.6 microns. This range ofoverall particle sizes for the multi-layered construction of thetransparent spheres is comparable to the typical ranges of diameters ofpaint pigment particles. Apparent colors, patterns or images of lightscattering layers may be produced by adjusting refractive indices of theparticles according to a size of the spherical core and the layers ofmaterial deposited on the spherical core of the particles. Such particlecompositions allow for additional degrees of freedom in adjusting thecolor, transmission and scattering, i.e., in “tuning” the energy/lightscattering effects produced by the composition of the energy/lightscattering layer. As mentioned above, an outer layer may be formed of aneutral, transparent, often dielectric material of a thickness selectedto provide a minimum required separation between the “colorant” layersof the substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles toreduce instances of refractive interference, thereby causing variationin the color presentation provided by the light scattering layer.

Dielectric materials from which the core sphere and the dielectricmaterials may be selected may be chosen generally from a groupconsisting of titanium dioxide, silicon carbide, boron nitride, boronarsenite, aluminum nitride, aluminum phosphide, gallium nitride, galliumphosphide, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide,zinc telluride, cuprous chloride, tin dioxide, barium titanate,strontium titanate, lithium niobate, nickel oxide, and other similarmaterials.

Particle size is related to the wavelength of interest, in the mannerdescribed above, in order to determine the color of the substantiallytransparent multi-layer micron-sized particles. Spacing between theparticles is related to the size in order to reduce interference betweenthe refractions of separate particles. In embodiments, the binder indexof refraction may be the same as an outer layer of the particles inorder that the outer layer does not optically interact with the nextlayer inward. In such an instance, the outer layer may be thicker, andparticle-to-particle optical interaction is minimized. Where there is adifference in index of refraction (according to Snell's Law), areflection occurs. When two reflections are spaced properly, theinteraction of multiple reflections is what provides the color.

The outer layer may be configured to ensure that the colorant producinglayers of the particles are kept separated. In an instance in which thecolorant producing layers touch, no interaction reflection is generated.A result of a configuration of a particle according to this scheme is aparticle that acts in a form of a Bragg Reflector. Multiple weakreflections of a same wavelength reinforce each other resulting in astrong reflection of a particular wavelength based on the particle size,which determines the particle spacing, and the index of refraction alsodetermines the speed of light which in turn describes the opticalwavelength. A number of particles per unit volume of solvent (matrixmaterial) is essentially going to ensure that the particles alwaystouch.

The outer layer will typically be thicker than the underlayers of whichthe substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particle iscomprised in order to attempt to ensure that safe separation ismaintained. If the outer layer is controlled to be composed of amaterial that is at a same index of refraction as the binder or matrixmaterial, the outer layer does not optically react in interaction withthe binder or matrix material. The outer layer will be transparent, andmaintain that transparency when immersed in thesubstantially-transparent binder or matrix material having a same indexof refraction as the outer layer of substantially transparentmulti-layer micron-sized particles. In this manner, the outermostlayers, in their composition and thickness, provide the essentialinterstitial spacing between the colorant components so as to assurecolor fidelity. The layers thus formed will yield only the color that is“built in” to the substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sizedparticles according to the structure of the color yielding/generatingunderlayers inward of the outermost layers in the manner describedbelow.

With enough layers, in a range of 10 to 15, to as many as 30, layers,color concentration would be high enough in each of the particles so asto not require external coloration reinforcement provided by adjacentmulti-layer particles. The outer layers are comparatively clear, as isthe binder or matrix solution, and preferably having a comparativelysame index of refraction as between the material forming the outerlayers and the material forming the binder solution. This is to ensurethat there is no interaction between the particles and the binder, andno interaction between the particles, specifically the coloryielding/generating components of the particles over a longer distance.The outer layers may be comparatively, e.g., 10 times the thickness ofeach of the underlying dielectric layers.

The substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles may beformed in a very tightly-controlled particle build process. A sphericalcore may be formed in a material or layer deposition process such as,for example, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, to achieve thesubstantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles accordingto the disclosed schemes. Particle deposition control systems exist thatcan be scaled to produce these substantially transparent multi-layermicron-sized particles. Quality control in the particle build processproduces the necessary level of color consistency. There are, however,deposition processes that can be controlled to the units of nanometersthicknesses.

Additionally, embodiments of the multi-layered particles may includemetallic layers sandwiched in between pairs of dielectric layers. Athickness of the metallic layers may be between 0.01 nm and 10 nm, aslong as the metallic layers remain substantially transparent. Thepresence of such metallic layers is intended to enhance reflectivityproperties with respect to the multi-layered structure of the coloryielding/generating layers of the substantially transparent multi-layermicron-sized particles. Indium titanium oxide (ITO) is an example of ametallic layer that is conductive, yet substantially transparent. Atypical touch screen on a cellular telephone, for example, includes anITO surface.

Any suitable acrylic, polyurethane, clearcoat, or like composed binderor matrix material having a low index of refraction may be adapted tosuspend the multi-layer micron-sized particles for application to abroad spectrum of substrate materials. These may include, but not belimited to, for example, synthetic or natural resins such as alkyds,acrylics, vinyl-acrylics, vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), polyurethanes,polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy, silanes or siloxanes or oils. It isenvisioned that, in the same manner that paint pigment particles aresuspended in solution, the substantially transparent multi-layermicron-sized particles according to this disclosure may be suspended insolution as well. Unlike paint pigment particles, however, the opticalresponse of particles according to the disclosed schemes will not “fade”over time because there is no pigment breakdown based on exposure to,for example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The disclosed particles mayalso be substantially insensitive to heat.

According to the above, application methodologies that are supportablewith particles according to the disclosed schemes include all of thoseapplication methodologies that are available for application of paints,inks and other coloration substances to substrates. These include thatthe particles suspended solutions can be brushed on, rolled on, sprayedon and the like. Separately, the particles may be pre-suspended in thesolutions, or provided separately for on-site apparatus mixing into thedeliverable solutions at the point of delivery to a substrate surface.The particles may be delivered via conventional aspirated spray systemsand/or via aerosol propellants including being premixed with thepropellants for conventional “spray can” delivery. Finally, theparticles may be dry delivered to a binder-coated substrate.Conventional curing methods may be employed to fix the binder-suspendedparticles on the various substrates.

In the above-described manner, a finished and stabilized apparentcolored, multi-component colored, texturized or otherwiseimage-developed surface transparent light scattering layer is produced.Mass production of such layers could be according to known delivery,deposition and development methods for depositing the light scatteringlayer forming components on the base structures as layer receivingsubstrates, and automatically controlling the exposure, activationand/or stabilization of the surface components to achieve a particularcolored, multi-colored, texturized and/or image-wise patterned lightscattering layer surface.

Additives may be included in the binder or matrix materials in which thesubstantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles are, or areto be, suspended to enhance one or more of a capacity for adherence ofthe formed transmissive layer to a particular substrate, including anadhesive or the like, and a capacity for enhanced curing of the layer,including a photo initiator or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary residentialbuilding structure 500 to provide examples of emplacement of laminatedenergy harvesting components according to this disclosure on an outersurface of the building structure. Although depicted in FIG. 5 as aresidential building structure, it should be noted that any buildingstructure may serve as a host to the disclosed laminated energyharvesting component. As shown in FIG. 5, any substrate surface of astructural body component of the residential building structure 500 maybe used to host the laminated energy harvesting component. This mayinclude a roof tile or shingle of the structure hosting the energyharvesting component 510; a portion of a siding of the structure hostingan energy harvesting component 520; a garage door hosting an energyharvesting component 530; an entry door hosting an energy harvestingcomponent 540; a section of a sidewalk, patio, deck or the like hostingan energy harvesting component 550; a section of a driveway hosting anenergy harvesting component 560; or other like portion of theresidential building structure 500 hosting an energy harvestingcomponent. As will be understood by those of skill in the art to be morepreferable for better exposure to solar energy in sunlight, horizontalor canted surfaces associated with the roof of the residential buildingstructure 500 may be covered, partially or substantially completely,with a laminated energy harvesting component. Separately, a solid,rollable, foldable or other cover in the form of, for example, an awningmay be provided extending from any vertical surface of the residentialbuilding structure 500. Regardless of the placement, wired or wirelessconnection may be provided to, for example, an energy conversioncomponent in the residential building structure 500 in order to collectthe electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic layers in thelaminated structures and to communicate compatible and/or conditionedelectrical energy to the building structure system components, asdescribed generally above in reference to FIG. 2. Adjacent or abuttingstructural elements such as, for example, overlapping roofshingles/tiles, sections of siding, and the like, may includecooperating electrical traces on edges or sides in order that electricalconnections can be made between individual photovoltaic elements on eachof the adjacent or abutting structural elements.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembly lineusable for automated forming of the exemplary laminated energyharvesting component on a surface of a substrate that constitutes abuilding structure component according to this disclosure. The exemplarysystem 600 may be used to prepare and build the laminated energyharvesting component structure in a manner similar to that describedabove with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D.

As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary system 600 may include an assemblyline type transport component 640 which may be in a form of poweredroller elements 642, 644 about which a movable platform in a form of,for example, a conveyor belt 646 may be provided to move a buildingstructural component substrate past multiple processing station 680,682, 684, 686 in a direction A to accomplish the layer forming andfinishing elements of the laminated energy harvesting component buildprocess. Operation of the transport component may be controlled by acontroller 660.

A photovoltaic array or TFPV attachment station 610 may be providedalong the assembly line, or separately, to provide for adhesiveadherence of, for example, a TFPV material layer on a surface of thebuilding structural component substrate when the building structuralcomponent substrate is positioned at processing station 680. Thephotovoltaic array or TFPV material layer may be electrically connectedto one or more metal trace elements on a surface of, or on an edge ofthe building structural component substrate to implement electricalconductivity between adjacent substrates when installed on a buildingstructure. Operation of the TFPV attachment station 610 may becontrolled by the controller 660.

A layer forming device 630 may be provided at, for example, processingstation 682 as the building structural component substrate moves indirection A from processing station 680. The layer forming device 630may comprise a plurality of spray nozzles or spray heads 636, 638, whichmay be usable to facilitate deposition of a layer forming material overthe previously placed TFPV material layer on a surface of the buildingstructural component substrate.

The layer forming device 630 may be connected to an air source 615 viapiping 617 and may separately be connected to a layer material reservoir620 via piping 622. The layer forming device 630 may be usable to obtaina flow of layer material from the layer material reservoir 620 andentrain that layer material in an airstream provided by the air source615 in a manner that causes aspirated layer material to be ejected fromthe spray nozzles or spray heads 636, 638 in a direction of the buildingstructural component substrate when the building structural componentsubstrate is positioned at processing station 682.

The layer material reservoir 620 may include separate chambers for asupply of substantially transparent micron-sized particles and for asupply of binder or matrix material. In embodiments, the particles andthe matrix material may come premixed, the particles and matrix materialmay be mixed in the layer material reservoir 620, or the particles andmatrix material may be separately fed to the layer forming device 630and mixed therein before being entrained in the airstream provided tothe layer forming device 630 by the air source 615. The layer formingdevice 630 may be a mounted structure or, in embodiments, the layerforming device 630 may be a movable structure mounted to the end of, forexample, an articulated arm 634 that is mounted to a base component 632.In embodiments, a particle and matrix material mixture may be providedin a material supply reservoir of a conventional spray gun with an airsource for delivery of the layer material in a delivery operationsimilar to a conventional spray painting of a surface. In embodiments,an entire surface of the building structural component substrate may becovered with the light scattering layer material. In this manner, aconsistency of coloration in the building structural component substratefinish may be obtained as between areas including photovoltaic arraysand areas of the surface that do not include such underlying elements.Operation of the components of the layer forming device 630 (includingthe articulated arm 634 and the base component 632), the air source 615,and/or the layer material reservoir 620, may be separately controlled bythe controller 660.

The building structural component substrate may be translated then to aprocessing position 684 opposite a layer curing station 650 that mayemploy known layer fixing methods including using heat, pressure,photo-initiated chemical reactions and the like to cure and/or finishthe light scattering layers on the surface of the building structuralcomponent substrate. The building structural component substrate maythen be translated to a processing station 686 opposite a surfacefinishing station 670 which may, for example, to deposit a clearcoatover an entire surface of the building structural component substrate,or undertake other finishing processing of the surface of the buildingstructural component substrate.

The exemplary system 600 may operate under the control of a processor orcontroller 660. Layer and object forming information may be inputregarding at least one light scattering layer to be formed and fixed onan object or substrate by the exemplary system 600. The controller 660may be provided with object forming data that is devolved, or parsed,into component data to execute a controllable process in which one ormore light scattering layers are formed to produce a single color, amulti-color, texturized surface or an image-patterned presentation whenviewed from the viewing, observation or light incident side of afinished light scattering layer on the building structural componentsubstrate.

The disclosed embodiments may include an exemplary method forintegrating a unique energy harvesting system, including an energy/lightscattering layer (energy transmissive layer), on a building structuralcomponent substrate. FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of such an exemplarymethod. As shown in FIG. 7, operation of the method commences at StepS700 and proceeds to Step S710.

In Step S710, one or more discrete substrate surfaces of a buildingstructural component may be prepared to receive a layer of TFPVmaterial. The building structural component substrate may be processedas a separate component, including any one or more of the buildingcomponents listed above, which may be later attached to a buildingstructure. Otherwise, the building structural component substrate may bea discrete portion or portions of the building structure, which may beprocessed on site. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S720.

In Step S720, a layer of TFPV material may be applied to the preparedsubstrate surface of the building structural component substrateaccording to an application method that may adhere the layer of TFPVmaterial to the building structural component substrate. Compatibleadhesive materials, including chemical, heat, or light activatedadhesive materials, may be used to provide the adherence of the TFPVmaterial layer to the building structural component substrate. It shouldbe noted that portions of the particular building structural componentsubstrate not covered by the TFPV material may be separately orcoincidentally prepared with finishes that are comparable to the finishdisplayed by the TFPV material layer in order that the buildingstructural component substrate may provide a consistent underlyingappearance, particularly with regard to an optical reflectance, forapplication of the energy transmissive layer materials thereon.Operation of the method proceeds to Step S730.

In Step S730, a liquefied mixture of components for forming an energytransmissive layer composed of substantially transparent particlessuspended in a substantially transparent liquefied matrix may bedeposited over the layer of TFPV material, or over an entire bodystructure of the building structural component substrate. Suchdeposition may be according to any technique by which a liquefiedmatrix, which may appear in the form of the paint-like substance, may beapplied to any substrate. In this regard, the liquefied mixture may bepoured on, rolled on, brushed on, or sprayed on the surface of thebuilding structural component substrate. In this latter case, anairstream may be provided from an air source in which the liquefiedmixture may be entrained as one of an aspirated and aerosol liquefiedmixture. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S740.

As indicated above, in embodiments, the liquefied mixture may includeformed multi-layered substantially transparent particles suspended in asubstantially transparent liquefied matrix material to form theliquefied mixture. The substantially transparent liquefied matrixmaterial may be selected to have an index of refraction similar to thesubstantially clear outer layers or shells of the substantiallytransparent particles in order to substantially reduce any potential forrefractive interference between adjacent particles when deposited on thesurface of the building structural component substrate. Thesubstantially transparent liquefied matrix material may includecomponents to aid in adherence of the finished energy transmissivelayers on the portions of the surface of the building structuralcomponent substrate on which those layers are ultimately formed. Thesubstantially transparent liquefied matrix material may includecomponents to aid in fixing of the substantially transparent particlesin the layer, including heat-activated and/or light-activated hardeners.Comparatively large size transparent particles, on the order of tens ofmicrons, may be used. The sizing of the particles to be less than 5microns, however, expands the latitude by which the substantiallytransparent particles suspended in the matrix material may be deliveredto the surface of the building structural component substrate byrendering those particles compatible with the spray techniques discussedabove. As such, in a delivery process that mirrors conventional spraypainting, the aspirated liquefied mixture may be deposited on theprepared surface to form the energy transmissive layer that passescertain wavelengths of energy/light through the layer and scatters otherselectable wavelengths of energy/light to render a perceptibly singlecolor, multi-color, patterned, texturized or image-wise presentation ofscattered light from the light incident surface based on one or moredelivery passes for depositing the energy transmissive layer materialsaccording to the above-described schemes.

In Step S740, the deposited liquefied mixture may be developed, cured,or otherwise fixed over the TFPV material layer, and on any otherportions of the building structural component substrate onto which theliquefied mixture is deposited for coloration of those portions of thebuilding structural component substrate to form a fixed energytransmissive layer thereon. Operation of the method proceeds to StepS750.

In Step S750, a protective coating may be applied over the energytransmissive layer. The protective coating may take a form of, forexample, a commercial clearcoat finishing composition. Operation of themethod proceeds to Step S760.

In Step S760, the applied protective coating may be cured or otherwisefixed over the energy transmissive layer formed on the surface of thebuilding structural component substrate. Operation of the methodproceeds to Step S770.

In Step S770, in instances in which the building structural componentsubstrate was a separate component of the overall building structure,the finished building structural component substrate may be assembled tothe building. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S780.

In Step S780, wired (or wireless) connections may be made from anelectrical output of the layer of TFPV material directly, or via acompatible and/or conditioning circuit that is configured to provide aconnection of the energy harvesting component in the form of the layeredstructure including the TFPV material layer, to one or more of anelectrically-powered component in the building, an electrical powersource in the building and/or an electrical power storage device in thebuilding. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S790, where operationof the method ceases.

The above-described exemplary particle and material formulations,layered component build processes, and systems and methods for applyinglaminated energy harvesting components to portions of a buildingstructural component substrate reference certain conventionalcomponents, energy harvesting elements, materials, and real-world usecases to provide a brief, general description of suitable operating,product processing, energy/light scattering (transmissive) layer formingand building structural modification and integration environments inwhich the subject matter of this disclosure may be implemented forfamiliarity and ease of understanding. Although not required,embodiments of the disclosure may be provided, at least in part, in aform of hardware control circuits, firmware, or softwarecomputer-executable instructions to control or carry out the laminatedstructure development functions described above. These may includeindividual program modules executed by processors.

Those skilled in the optics, electrical generation and buildingconstruction arts will appreciate that other embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter may be practiced in many disparate filmforming, layer forming, laminate layer forming and building constructionsystems, techniques, processes and/or devices, including variousmachining, molding, additive and subtractive layer forming andmanufacturing methods, of many different configurations.

Embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include processorcomponents that may implement certain of the steps described above viacomputer-readable media having stored computer-executable instructionsor data structures recorded thereon that can be accessed, read andexecuted by one or more processors for controlling the disclosedenergy/light scattering layer forming and building integration schemes.Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by a processor, general purpose or special purpose computer. Byway of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media cancomprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash drives, data memory cards orother analog or digital data storage device that can be used to carry orstore desired program elements or steps in the form of accessiblecomputer-executable instructions or data structures for carrying intoeffect, for example, computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aidedmanufacturing (CAM) of particular objects, object structures, layers,and/or layer components.

Computer-executable instructions include, for example, non-transitoryinstructions and data that can be executed and accessed respectively tocause a processor to perform certain of the above-specified functions,individually or in various combinations. Computer-executableinstructions may also include program modules that are remotely storedfor access and execution by a processor.

The exemplary depicted sequence of method steps represent one example ofa corresponding sequence of acts for implementing the functionsdescribed in the steps of the above-outlined exemplary method. Theexemplary depicted steps may be executed in any reasonable order tocarry into effect the objectives of the disclosed embodiments. Noparticular order to the disclosed steps of the methods is necessarilyimplied by the depiction in FIG. 7, except where a particular methodstep is a necessary precondition to execution of any other method step.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they shouldnot be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurationsof the described embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods arepart of the scope of this disclosure.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also,various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements thereinmay be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are alsointended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for integrating an energy harvesting system in abuilding, comprising: arranging an energy harvesting element on asurface of a building structural component; and arranging an energytransmissive layer arranged over the energy harvesting element on thesurface of the building structural component, the energy transmissivelayer having a body-facing side facing the surface of the buildingstructural component, and an energy-incident side opposite thebody-facing side, the energy-incident side presenting a consistentopaque appearance when viewed from substantially any aspect, and theenergy transmissive layer passing 50% or more of light energy impingingon the energy transmissive layer through the energy transmissive layerto activate the energy harvesting element.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising forming the energy transmissive layer of a materialcomposition comprising a plurality of substantially-transparentparticles and a substantially-transparent matrix material that fixes theplurality of substantially-transparent particles in a layer arrangementto form the energy transmissive layer.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising fixing the plurality of substantially-transparent particlesin the matrix material in a manner that causes the energy-incident sideto reflect substantially all of one or more selectable wavelengths ofthe impinging light energy in all directions on the energy-incident sideto present the consistent opaque appearance.
 4. The method of claim 2,further comprising forming each of the plurality ofsubstantially-transparent particles of a: a spherical core formed of afirst transparent dielectric material, the spherical core having a valueof a physical diameter equal to a half wavelength of a first selectedcolor of light component to be reflected by the particle modified by arefractive index of the first transparent dielectric material; aplurality of material layers disposed radially outwardly from thespherical core, each of the plurality of material layers being formed ofat least a second transparent dielectric material, and having a value ofa physical thickness equal to a quarter wavelength of at least a secondselected color of light component to be reflected by the particlemodified by a refractive index of the at least the second transparentdielectric material; and an outer coating comprised of anothertransparent dielectric material having a selected index of refraction of2 or less, the outer coating having a thickness that substantiallyeliminates reflective interference between the colors reflected byadjacent particles when in contact with one another.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising adjusting an index of refraction of thesubstantially transparent liquid matrix material to be a same index ofrefraction as the outer coating.
 6. The method of claim 2, the energyharvesting element comprising a photovoltaic element.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, the photovoltaic element being a photovoltaic film (PVF)material.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising applying the PVFmaterial to one or more first discrete portions of the surface of thebuilding structural component.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising applying a layer of adhesive to the one or more firstdiscrete portions of the surface of the building structural componentbefore applying the PVF material to the one or more first discreteportions, the layer of adhesive affixing the PVF material to the surfaceof the building structural component in the one or more first discreteportions.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying asurface treatment to at least second portions of the surface of thebuilding structural component, the second portions of the surface of thebuilding structural component being different portions than the firstportions, and the surface treatment rendering an optical reflectance ofthe second portions substantially equal to an optical reflectance of thePVF material in the first portions.
 11. The method of claim 2, thearranging the energy transmissive layer over the energy harvestingelement on the surface of the building structural component comprising:delivering the material composition in a liquid form; and applying oneof heat or light energy to fix the material composition to form theenergy transmissive layer.
 12. The method of claim 11, each of thesubstantially-transparent particles having a diameter in a range of 5microns or less.
 13. The method of claim 12, each of thesubstantially-transparent particles having a diameter in a range of 1.0to 3.0 microns.
 14. The method of claim 13, the delivering the materialcomposition in a liquid form comprising: entraining the materialcomposition in an air stream; and spraying the entrained materialcomposition on the surface of the building structural component.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising separately entraining theplurality of substantially-transparent particles and thesubstantially-transparent matrix material in the air stream to form thematerial composition sprayed on the surface of the building structuralcomponent.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing anelectrical connection from the energy harvesting element to at least oneof an electrical energy power source, an electrical energy storagedevice and an electrically powered component device in the building fortransmitting electrical energy generated by the electrical harvestingelement.
 17. The method of claim 16, the electrical connectioncomprising at least one of an electrical energy converting circuit or anelectrical energy conditioning circuit.
 18. The method of claim 1,further comprising arranging a substantially transparent protectivecoating over the energy transmissive layer.
 19. The method of claim 1,the energy transmissive layer being arranged to pass 80% or more oflight energy impinging on the energy transmissive layer through theenergy transmissive layer to activate the energy harvesting element. 20.The method of claim 1, the energy harvesting element being arranged on asurface of the building structural component by being at least partiallyaccommodated in a cavity in the surface of the building structuralcomponent.